The
U.S. Department of Defense has identified four addresses for use in Operation
Dear Abby for the 2000 holiday season.

For the past 16 years, Abigail Van Buren, through her nationally syndicated
column, has brought goodwill and cheer to the men and women of the U. S. armed
forces. During the holiday season, Van Buren solicits Americans to send cards
and letters to service members stationed overseas.

Addresses to be used for sending first class letter mail, 13 ounces or less
only, to "Any Service Member" are:

Operation Dear Abby
APO AE 09135-for Europe and South West Asia

Operation Dear Abby
FPO AE 09646-for the Mediterranean Basin

Operation Dear Abby
APO AP 96285-for the Far East

Operation Dear Abby
FPO AP 96385-for the Pacific Basin

The above addresses of major U. S. military aerial mail terminals and fleet
mail centers overseas are being used as mail hubs. They will receive the mail
and distribute it on a fair-share bases to all Services in their respective
areas. This process is designed to preclude over burdening transportation assets
and inundating specific military units. It also allows for wider distribution to
service members.